Gunman who killed doctor of former President George H.W. Bush fired 3 times, wife says

HOUSTON, Texas — Georgia Hsieh, the wife of renowned cardiologist Mark Hausknecht, says she is struggling to understand why someone would want to kill her husband.

Hausknecht, who treated former President George H.W. Bush, was fatally shot by another cyclist last week as he rode his bike to work, Houston police said.

The cardiologist would spend his free time doing yardwork and cooking and would usually be in bed by 9 p.m., Hsieh says.

Georgia Hsieh, the wife of renowned cardiologist Mark Hausknecht, says she is struggling to understand why someone would want to kill her husband.

Hausknecht was last seen alive Friday dressed in his blue scrubs as he pedaled his yellow bike to Houston Methodist Hospital.

Hsieh says police told her that her husband was riding through a construction area when the gunman rode up in front of him and fired three shots while facing him.

A manhunt is underway for the gunman; it is remains unclear if the shooting was targeted, random or the result of road rage.

As an emergency medicine doctor herself, Hsieh says she has seen firsthand what guns can do. But she never imagined someone she loved would become a victim of gun violence.

Hausknecht spent his career “saving and prolonging the lives of others,” Hsieh said in a statement.

She resisted the suggestion that her husband’s death was senseless, calling it a “trite” way to characterize the scourge of gun violence. What is senseless, she said, “is the misguided notion that any society with more guns is a safer society.”

“So many have asked what can be done to help. While law enforcement has given you their focus on finding the criminal, I am asking you to use your vote and your voice to stem the tide of this growing public health epidemic,” she said in a statement.

She urged people to contact their elected officials and ask them to support “sensible” gun laws.

“We owe it to future generations to leave a safer environment,” she said. “Mark loved this city. To honor him — work hard, be responsible, patient, tolerant and compassionate.”